Butterflies

[Sandy H]

Okay, got a question! I’ve been reading this message board for about a year..I think….and keep thinking how lucky I am in comparison to the many really severe situations “you other people” have. Up until a couple days ago, the only symptoms I have had (most of the time) has been chest pain and slight sob when I do my daily 3 mile walk. Oh yes, I’m on Cardizem & cozaar and very rarely notice any symptoms except when I walk as I said. Sooo. …a couple days ago I started having those “butterflies” in the chest & maybe a little light headed feeling. They were infrequent until today….been getting more frequent all day and now very frequent and along with the butterflies in the chest I’d say there is an all over weak feeling and almost queezy in the stomach. Suddenly this disease that I have been making light of, has me feeling very apprehensive.
Now the question…..Is this the way you guys feel all the time or is this something to be concerned about? Admittedly I could make a phone call to Mayo (just a few blocks away) but somehow feel more comfortable asking my “dumb” questions of my fellow HCMers. Appreciate any input.
Sandy

[Sarah]

wow

Dear Sandy,

You LIVE next to the Mayo? I would be jealous, except I've been there 4 times ---what do you guys do up there for fun???

There is another thread going on in the forum about symptoms and how they come in waves. However, this is a new thing for you which requires an ECG to determine what it is exactly.

The next time you have a new symptom, please call the Mayo --because as supportive and helpful as we want to be, we can't diagnose you over the Internet.

let us know what the smart ones have to say.

S

PS yes, feeling crappy and weird are something most of us have some of the time.

[Linda]

Sandy, lightheaded, weak, queasy, increasing feeling of butterflies in chest? Time to call your doctor who knows all the ins and outs about you. Don't ignore symptoms of this nature, esp if you may be having a change in your heart rhythm that may be causing the "buttefly feeling". From your post, it sounds as tho these symptoms are a rather sudden and new thing for you, and the sudden onset is reason to call your doctor now. Once again, we must all remember that the message board is a great thing to share & educate, but let's not compromise safety by delaying emergency care, if indeed, someone's symptoms may suggest the need. Better to learn it was an unnecessary call than to waste time if you have a serious problem that should be treated. Also, there are no dumb questions here, you are among friends who care. Let us know how you are doing. Linda

[kathyn2]

I am curious. Are either of your meds new ones?

[Sandy H]

Thanks all for the input. No, not new meds. Only thing new (just thinking things thru) is that I re-started the Weight Watchers diet this week. Am definitely getting all the water I need so can't see how that would cause this. I will call the clinic if this isn't resoved soon but guess I hate to sound like a hypochondriac....that's why I asked if this is "normal" for other HCMers. Just nice to have a resource like this to be a sounding board.

[kathyn2]

I was just curious about the meds because I had similar symptoms when I started a new BP med. Candesartan. It is in the same family as Cozaar. I know it is dangerous to speak in generalities but Dr. Shah told me that the candesartan was not good for my obstruction. I think cozaar is losartan. You might check on that med. Call the doctor tommorrow and don't worry about being a hypochrondiac! I feel like that sometimes myself and hate calling my cardiologist.

[Lisa Salberg]

Sandy,
CALL Doug at the Mayo's HCM center. talk to him, this may be something little or it could be signs of A-Fib. YOU DO NOT WANT TO MESS AROUND HERE. There are NEVER silly questions here... yous symptoms are REAL and they should be looked at. Like I said it may very well be nothing major...but if it is new then you need to talk to your health care provider sooner than later.
let us know how you make out.

Lisa